This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rental law differs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check the rules where you live. Last reviewed 14 August 2026.
Finding a rental with a pet can feel harder than it should because many property sites treat pets as an afterthought. A listing might say “pets considered”, but give you no idea whether that means one indoor cat, two dogs, a rabbit or something else entirely.
The easiest approach is to make the pet part of the search from day one.
1. Decide what your pet actually needs
Start with practical requirements, not a dream-property checklist. A garden may be essential for one dog and irrelevant for an indoor cat. A ground-floor flat can be more useful than a larger third-floor home if your dog is elderly. Small pets may need secure indoor space rather than outdoor access.
Write down the features that are genuinely non-negotiable: number and type of pets, outdoor space, floor level, nearby park, maximum rent and move-in date.
2. Search for a clear pet policy
On Paw Keys, listings can state which pets are welcome, whether multiple pets are considered and useful features such as gardens, ground-floor access or nearby parks. You can also distinguish between a private landlord and an agent, and see who is expected to manage the tenancy.
That is more useful than discovering after a viewing that “pets considered” actually means “one small pet only”.
3. Set an alert early
Pet-friendly stock can appear and disappear quickly. If nothing suitable is live today, do not keep repeating the same search manually. Save a Paw Keys alert and choose whether you want every new home or only properties matching your filters.
This is especially helpful in smaller towns where suitable rentals may arrive less frequently.
4. Prepare a simple Pet CV
A good Pet CV answers the questions a landlord is likely to have without becoming an essay. Include the pet’s age, breed or size where relevant, routine, house-training, temperament and a previous landlord reference if available.
You can create a free Pet CV on Paw Keys and share it only when you want to.
5. Ask the important questions before viewing
Use the first enquiry to clarify anything that could make the home unsuitable. Ask whether there are limits on size or number of pets, who will manage the tenancy, whether there are communal rules and what the total move-in costs are.
A five-minute message can save a wasted journey.
6. View the home through your pet’s eyes
At the viewing, look at the route from the front door, garden boundaries, balconies, windows, communal entrances, flooring and ventilation. If your dog needs a daily walk, check the actual route to green space rather than relying on “park nearby” in the listing.
7. Get the pet permission in writing
Do not rely on a casual verbal “pets are fine”. Make sure the tenancy documents clearly reflect the agreement about your pet. The legal position differs across the UK, so check the rules that apply where the property is located.
8. Compare the whole cost, not only the rent
Check the tenancy deposit, holding deposit, first rent payment, moving costs and any optional deposit-replacement product. A lower headline cost is not automatically cheaper over the full tenancy.
9. Be ready to move quickly without rushing
Have your ID, proof of income and references ready, but do not transfer money simply because somebody pressures you. Confirm who you are dealing with, read the tenancy terms and use secure communication until you are satisfied the listing is genuine.
10. Keep a backup search running
If you have one ideal neighbourhood, save that search — then create a second, slightly wider alert. You will see more options without losing sight of your first choice.
Ready to start? Search pet-friendly homes on Paw Keys, or post what you are looking for so landlords and agents can see genuine pet-friendly demand.
